Thief of Shadows (by Elizabeth Hoyt)

Thief of Shadows rating:  3.5 out of 5 stars

Release Date:  June 26, 2012

Maiden Lane series rating: N/A (haven't read them all)

"Thief of Shadows" is book 4 in this series. It can be read in order or as a stand alone novel. 

How are the sex scenes?

My, my, my Ms. Elizabeth Hoyt!  Scandalous sex scenes between a man of lower station and a lady of rank.  And for the time period - *fans face* - Why I've never seen a woman be so bold.


How are the story lines?

 This is a novel in every sense of the word.  The main characters have detailed lives and backstories of their own, several secondary characters steal scenes with unexpected pregnancies, murders, comic relief and forming the next novel's plot.  Hoyt's merging of story lines and seamless transition between characters' point-of-views is one of the best things about "Thief of Shadows."

Would you read it again?

Unfortunately, probably not...

Summary

Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt is a historical romance novel set in London, England 1737.

Baroness Isabel Beckinhall is a widow and member of the Ladies' Syndicate for the Benefit of the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children.  The Home has just recently received contributions from society and the Home's manager, Mr. Winter Makepeace, has been dubbed too unsophisticated and unfit to brush shoulders with the high born and wealthy.  On her return from a meeting with Mr. Makepeace - where he fails to show - Isabel spots the Ghost of St. Giles in dire need of assistance.  She offers rescue and brings him to her home to heal where a burning attraction begins.

Mr. Winter Makepeace is stern, controlled and more than a little moody.  Grateful for the Home's monetary support he tolerates the Ladies who fund it, Baroness Isabel Beckinhall included.  When the Ladies' Syndicate appoints Isabel as his social tutor he suffers through their disastrous sessions.  He suffers because Winter knows she lusts for the Ghost, yet Winter lusts for her and if he guesses right - she lusts for him as well.

Review

Thief of Shadows opens with Isabel spying the Ghost of St. Giles in a pool of blood.  This is a riveting moment for Maiden Lane series readers, yet it means little to someone reading Thief as a stand alone novel.  However there's still an unconscious guy dressed in way too much motley being loaded into a carriage while a mob pursues, so the reader should be interested.

Heroine Lady Isabel is quickly established as a modern 1700s widow, having taken a "few discreet lovers" then promptly sexually teasing the Ghost as he lays naked in her guest bed.  Being a historical romance, this is extraordinarily out of character for heroines.  These "promiscuous" women are usually mentioned as lonely, loose matrons destined to never find true love because they spread their legs for more than one man - or for the wrong one time and time again.  Lady Isabel is lonely, she is a matron, but a whore she most certainly is not.

"Are you calling me a whore?"

His head jerked back.  "No.  I don't-"

She stepped up to him, toe-to-toe, and jabbed a finger rather painfully into his ridiculously embroidered waistcoat.  "I may not meet your monkish standards of conduct, but that in no way makes me a loose woman.  Do you understand that, Winter Makepeace?  I enjoy the company of men and I enjoy bedsport.  If you are made uncomfortable by that fact, then perhaps it is your standards that you should look to."

...point for the lady.

Winter Makepeace also veers from the usual hero.  He wants Isabel, but he doesn't chase her.  He cannot be distracted by a woman when he's given his life to the orphaned children of St. Giles and is committed to bringing them all under the Home's protection.  Despite this, Winter handles Isabel's pursuit of him - and their steamy encounters - with a teasing, sexy confidence that leaves Isabel (and the reader) breathless. 

Thief tells a secondary story of the friendship between orphans Joseph Tinbox and Peach.  When Peach is brought from the street they form an automatic bond, Peach only speaking to Joseph and Joseph sleeping in Peach's bed to help keep her nightmares away.  It is endearing and sweet.  I'm not sure how far Hoyt is taking this series, but I will buy their book if she ever decides to write it. 


Hoyt also gives an interesting storyline to Lady Margaret Reading.  Any details will be spoilers, but I am looking for her story as well.

Though I have only read Thief, I suspect the Maiden Lane series is best enjoyed when read in order.  It seems many characters are introduced in the novels before their "story" ensuring the reader is 100% invested before cracking the cover.

You like it, why doesn't it get 5 stars?

I hate that I don't love Thief.  I'd also like to point out that I have read several reviews and everyone loves it except me.  And what do I know, anyway?

The first half of Thief moves really slow to me.  We meet the main characters and almost immediately Isabel starts her campaign for Winter.  I enjoy reading about a woman who goes after what she wants, but the little information I have about Isabel makes it hard to sympathize with her.  One time it is mentioned that Isabel is lonely and eventually she gives Makepeace a couple sentences about her insufficient marriage, but for the most part she seems no more than a woman who enjoys bedsport.  I know that's not the intention.  Perhaps if I read the previous novels I would know more of her character.
Somehow, Thief lacks a sizzling tension between Isabel/Winter, but on Isabel's part.  Winter covets Isabel greatly and there is mention of him focusing on her lips and bodice and wanting to take what she offers, etc., etc.  Yet when Isabel looks at him she sees his hard chest and is curious, but there is no panting, perspiring, lip licking... 

Again, everyone loves it but me so I could have read it wrong. 

It took me days to finish Thief and I even set it aside mid-novel to read another book - something I have never done.  It is well written and the second half is perfect, but the struggle to read the first half forces me to give Thief a 3.5 star rating.

Sorry.



Want more thoughts on Thief?  Read Miss Ruby Jones's Sweet Rocket blog here

Comment About It

Do you enjoy a forceful woman heroine or do you prefer the virginal maiden?

Please share!



Learn more about Elizabeth Hoyt and her upcoming titles on her webpage, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Pinterest.

Read the Maiden Lane series. 
(Usually I would list the books, but Hoyt does a great job on her website.)

Published by Grand Central Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Book Group

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review. eARC courtesy of NetGalley.

Giving It Up (by Amber Lin)

Giving It Up rating:  6 STARS

Release Date:  June 18, 2012

Giving It Up is book one of the Giving It Up Series

How are the sex scenes?

Sizzling and real.  Not everyone gets 12 orgasms and hears angels singing at the end.  There is a lot of sex and sexual situations/references.  There are no whips and chains, but there are BDSM undertones, sometimes force is used, and the heroine was raped (before the novel begins) and there are flashbacks.

How are the story lines?

Don't let the erotic genre fool you - this book is full of suspense and had me on the edge of my seat.  Literally.  The hero/heroine get most of the book time, naturally, but the hero's brother is a hugely influential character as is the heroine's best friend.

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Would you read it again?
Absolutely and I will recommend this to my book club.

Summary

Giving It Up by Amber Lin is a contemporary erotica novel set in Chicago, Illinois.

Allison "Allie" Winters is twenty-two, a victim of rape, mother of one and has serious trust and control issues.  Once a month she asks Shelly, her trustworthy high school buddy and only friend who happens to be a prostitute, to watch her daughter while Allie prowls the club scene looking for rough sex.  Because men don't listen to no and when she demands it she's in control.

Colin Murphy is quiet, brooding, and a good, yet very dangerous guy.  After being Allie's only gentle one night stand, he becomes fiercely protective - offering her security when her rapist returns.  Being the youngest of the three Murphy siblings, Colin spends much time helping with family "problems", but soon Allie and her daughter get in the way and Colin has to make a choice...while Allie is still deciding whether she can trust him. 
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Review

If you want to read a stunningly great novel with realistic other-side-of-the-track characters and intense sex scenes Giving It Up should be on your list.  This story has is all:  believability, realism, life problems no one wants to talk about, romance, love between friends, love between mother and child, struggles with self worth, suspense, mystery and best of all, empowerment. 

Allie is a heroine everyone can love.  She's an exceptional mother, choosing to move in with Colin because it's better than letting her daughter near a rapist.  (I know many don't agree with a mother letting her child live with another man, but hear me when say it's better than letting her daughter near a rapist.  It was Colin or that guy.)  At all times Allie's daughter is her number one concern and the choices Allie makes for her - the decisions Allie refuses to even put on her - are nothing short of amazing. 

Allie undergoes a tremendous life changing journey throughout Giving It Up.  She doesn't travel anywhere or achieve something she's always sought.  She learns she still has power, still has a choice and still has a say despite someone once taking it away.  She realizes she's strong and can live her life.  Her past be damned.  And I think that's a message we should teach our children.

Colin is an understated hero.  Yes, he's very controlling and scary as hell, but he's doing what's best for Allie and trying to make it easier for her and the world she lives in.  Colin makes decisions many may not agree with, but keep in mind their situation, life and circumstance.  His unpopular decision may be the best of his options.  He tries to give Allie what she needs, even at the expense of himself, and that proves his loyalty to her.  He's hard, but he cares and he won't toss her and her daughter in the street if things get dirty.

The supporting characters are so intense they deserve their own books.  Amber Lin thinks so too, because Shelly is up next.  As a prostitute, she's already your not-so-average heroine, but her heart of gold saves Allie and her daughter more than once and she deserves her happy ending. 

There really are people who cannot seek help from the police or church or family, and sometimes hard and dirty choices have to be made.  Giving It Up is a story of Allie and Colin making those choices.

I loved it.

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Comment About It

Does a dark intense story make the happy ending more satisfying or does it just make the book harder to read?  Please share!



Learn more about Amber Lin and her upcoming titles on her webpage, Twitter and Goodreads.

The Romance Man recommends Giving It Up

Published by Loose ID

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review. eARC courtesy of Amber Lin.

Series Update: The Temptresses Trilogy's "Twice the Temptation" (by Beverley Kendall)

Twice the Temptation

book one of "The Temptresses Trilogy"

Temptation is as old as Adam and Eve.  Unfortunately, succumbing to ..it is as natural as breathing to the gentlemen in the haut ton.  But the secret society of the TEMPT club (Test Eligible Males’ Proof of Trustworthiness) will save prospective brides bent on fidelity, by discerning the faithful from the philanderers.  And the founders and sole members of the club—Catherine Rutherford, Olivia Wakefield and Meghan Townsend—are ready and willing to apply themselves fully to that task.  What they hadn’t counted on was emotional entanglements…    - The Temptresses Trilogy by Beverley Kendall

If historical romance is your genre chances are you have already heard of Beverley Kendall's Elusive Lords Series.  The fourth and final book An Heir of Deception was released April 2012 and readers everywhere mourned the end to an epic tale.   

Well mourn no longer.  Ms. Kendall is already penning a continuation.  Her new trilogy, The Temptresses, picks up where the Elusive Lords Series leaves off.  The first book is titled Twice the Temptation and features Catherine "Katie" Rutherford (the twin sister to Charlotte, heroine of An Heir of Deception) and Lucas Beaumont (dear friend of Charlotte, appearing in An Heir of Deception).

Kendall provided an excerpt from Twice the Temptation to her Facebook followers today.  Swoon over it here.

Twice the Temptation has no release date yet, but Kendall hopes to publish it by the beginning of 2013.  We hope so, too, Bev.




After Twice the Temptation

The second book features Lord Granville (from Sinful Surrender) as the hero.
The third book features Lord Granville's sister - also Catherine's friend - as the heroine.


More About the Author

Beverley Kendall is recently turned full time writer who now publishes her own novels.  Along with The Temptresses Trilogy, she's also writing a contemporary romance series titled Creme de la Creme.  Creme's first novel is "Second and Long" (yes about football) and approximately 50,000 words long.  You can read about her other accomplishments and upcoming events on her website. 

Kendall loves her work and loves to talk to you about it.  This article, for instance, was written after a Q&A session with Kendall on her Facebook page.  That's right.  Kendall gave us the name of her trilogy, a blurb, an explanation of heroes and heroines, an excerpt and permission to write what you're reading right now - all on her freaking wall.  She's a talented, talented lady and by far one of the most approachable romance writers I've encountered.

For more information visit her website, The Season book review site (ran by Kendall) and her Facebook.  Or, you know, just ask her yourself.  I'm sure she'll be happy to respond.

About Last Night (by Ruthie Knox)

About Last Night rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Release Date: June 11, 2012

Dear Reader, 

I still am unhappy with this review.  It's been rewritten twice and has yet to achieve the greatness About Last Night deserves.  If anything, let this serve as a referral itself.  About Last Night is a truly exceptional novel and I have yet to find the appropriate words to do it justice.

- Sallie

How are the sex scenes?

Steamy and delicious with a heavy dose of realism. 

(i.e., they have conversation or compare each other to previous lovers, etc.)

Some scenes are descriptive, others are behind closed doors.

How are the story lines?

The story revolves around the hero and heroine, giving them detailed back stories and future goals and a path that may or may not lead them there as a couple.

Would you read it again?

Yes.  Probably once I'm finished with this review.

Summary

Mary Catherine "Cath" Talarico has been operating as "Good Catherine" for the past two years.  Good Catherine works a steady job, avoids bad situations - and men - and has reminders of her mistakes tattooed on her skin. 

Neville "Nev" Chamberlain is a successful banker in the Chamberlain family business.  To Catherine, he fits the stereotype:  fancy job, custom suits and politically correct women who look as if they stepped from a Lacoste catalogue. 

Nev has other ideas.

Catherine was surprised when she awoke in the bed of the mysterious stranger she's been noticing for months and even more surprised when Neville pursues a relationship.  Catherine wants the furthest thing from it, refusing to take a chance on life, love and a future with him. 

Review

Ruthie Knox is a rockstar and I am her groupie.

About Last Night is a contemporary romance novel set in London, England. 

Neville is a real-life, believable love interest.  He's handsome with a great job and a smothering, controlling family.  He is clever, mild-mannered and confident enough to allow Catherine her space.  He patiently waits weeks on end for Catherine to divulge the smallest details about herself, knowing she's never told him the entire truth.  This patience and his pursuit of Catherine is unmatched, showing exactly how much he wants their relationship to grow. 

Catherine is a realistic, fault-filled, modern heroine.  She is tough, resilient and extremely cautious with something to prove.  Catherine has screwed up.  Many, many times.  As a result she suffers with commitment issues and flees at the first sign of affection.  Despite life-changing setbacks, she desperately tries to be "Good Catherine", running from past mistakes - and Neville.  She's terribly misguided in her decisions, alienating herself from any lasting relationship.  Throughout the novel, Catherine grows and watching her overcome personal tragedies is inspirational. 

Knox wrote both Neville and Catherine as quick-witted characters, thus creating hilarious dialogue between them and almost everyone else in the novel. 

"So, what, you want me to start calling you Neville?"

"Please don't."

"See?"

"But you like it when I call you Mary Catherine."

"I don't"

She did.  She loved it.  "Every time I call you Mary Catherine, your mouth turns up at the corners just the tiniest bit, and you get this dreamy look in your eyes.  Come to think of it, it's the same look you get when I-"

"Knock it off, or I'll make you run up the hill three times." 

About Last Night is a refreshing read, departing from the classic storyline where the heroine falls madly for the hero and breathlessly waits to be loved.  Knox's heroine refuses to call the hero by his name.  Safe to assume she will not be following him around like a love-blinded, virginal maiden.

About Last Night is a witty, sex-with-a-stranger-turned-lover story driven by entertaining and realistic characters.

Comment About It

Have you ever been inspired when you least expected it?  What person or event spoke to you?

Learn more about Ruthie Knox and her upcoming titles on her webpage.

Read Knox's other contemporary romance title:  Ride With Me

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review.  Book purchased by Musing Sallie.

Best Reads of May 2012

Diamonds and books are a girl's best friends, but we still choose our favorites.

The three following novels are the best reads I found this May.  Selected for different reasons, they are wonderful novels delivered by even more wonderful authors.


The Sleeping Night by Barbara Samuel-O'Neal  (Emotional women's fiction/romance read)

Scheduled for release on June 21.  The Sleeping Night is well worth the $9.56 price tag.  "Emotional" is my description, but it's better defined as "the opposite of light and fluffy".  As my review mentions, the crisp Jane Austen style writing and 1940s racial tension is exactly what it took to tug my heart strings.  I thought about this book days after it was finished.


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Conquered by a Highlander by Paula Quinn  (Historically based romance read)

Released on May 22, my review explains why Conquered is just one of many great, great titles from Quinn.  This author has yet to pen a story I do not like and I hero-worship her.  It would be embarrassing if she wasn't so darn talented.




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Believe It or Not by Tawna Fenske  (Hilarious, contemporary romance read)

Released in March 2012.  Okay, I was a little late to the male strip club on this one, but it is exceptional.  I laughed - out loud and on multiple occasions.  This book should be read - preferably with a box of dark chocolates, a bottle of wine and a Van Halen album in the background.  It was not reviewed on this site, but if it was it would have received a glowing 6 stars.  I still think about this novel.  Click here to read an excerpt. 



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Blog About It

Want to weigh in?  Let me know your thoughts on these novels and sing the praises of the novels I missed.  If a story moves you, chances are it will move someone else, too.